Linux Lite 3.2 Final is now available for download. The overall theme of this release is a focus on Security. Linux Lite will now download and install the latest Linux kernel security updates when they become available via Install Updates. In this release we introduce for the first time the Lite Desktop Widget. This features basic system information as well as Updates status to emphasize the importance of keeping your computer up to date. Also in this release we've included several theme enhancements, lots of updates to our Lite packages, as well as the usual fixes from the 3.2 Beta.

Presenting Linux Lite 3.2 Final

Lite Desktop Widget - A new optional feature that displays basic system information, including Updates Status that reports the last time you installed Updates. A portion of the code for this widget was outsourced, so thank you to those who support and donate to Linux Lite. To enable this after installation, go to Menu, Settings, Session and Startup, Application Autostart tab, tick Lite Desktop Widget. Logout then Login again, the widget will appear at the bottom right hand corner of your screen after a few seconds of logging into your Desktop. If you want transparency for the widget, go to Menu, Settings, Window Manager Tweaks, Compositor tab, tick Enable display compositing. The Updates Status will refresh information every 5 minutes eg. 5 minutes after you update, the status will change to Your system was recently updated providing there were any updates installed.

Red - system is overdue for updates, update nowGreen - system was updated within the last 3 daysYellow - a reminder that it's time to update your system

1. System never updated - displayed after a fresh install of Linux Lite (will not change status until updated packages have actually been installed)2. Your system was recently updated - will display 5 minutes after updates have been applied3. 6hrs since your last update - hourly update reminders4. 4 days since your last update - after the 3rd day, the reminder will turn yellow5. 8 days since your last update - after the 7th day, the reminder will turn red

Grub - Linux Lite should now multi boot with other distros. I've tested this in multi-scenarios as shown in the image below:

Things to be aware of - If you want Linux Lite at the top of Grub, use Grub Customizer - http://ubuntuhandbook.org/index.php/2016/04/install-grub-customizer-ubuntu-16-04-lts/ It allows you to set up Grub to your liking. Hopefully, this puts to rest any previous concerns about Grub not playing nice with other distros. In summary, Linux Lite now multi-boots with other operating systems, the only change you should ever need to make, and this is purely personal, is the order in which they show in the Grub Menu.

Upgrading - I've listened to all the feedback in the past regarding upgrading in Linux Lite and there still appears to be some confusion over how we do this, even though it's been clearly explained, we cannot overcome perception. The solution to this, is to revert back to our standard method which is to do:

- New Grub config (potential to ruin peoples existing multi-boot setups)- New Boot Splash (3.0 users may have grown used to it) - Comprehensive sources.list (risk to peoples existing sources.list file, you will still get Linux kernel security updates)

There is no upgrade path to or from Beta releases.There is no upgrade path from Series 2 ( 2.0, 2.2, 2.4, 2.6, 2.8 ) to Series 3.

Kernel & Install Updates - With Security at the forefront of most peoples minds these days, we in the linux world should be just as vigilant. Linux Lite will now automatically download and install the latest Ubuntu kernel via Install Updates. In order for this to work, we've changed the code in Install Updates from upgrade to dist-upgrade. I've been running dist-upgrade for a number of weeks now and although in the past I've recommended against it, our OS is now to a state where there should be no adverse affects. Just remember, over time kernels will build up in your system, run the Kernel Removal tool in Lite Tweaks to clean out your system periodically.

Some explanation:

apt-get upgrade - This command upgrades all installed packages.

apt-get dist-upgrade - Tells APT to use "smart" conflict resolution system, and it will attempt to upgrade the most important packages at the expense of less important ones if necessary. Not to be confused with do-release-upgrade which would upgrade you from one LTS to the next.

Lite Welcome - Has been updated and now includes the convenience of upgrading from the Start section.

Improved Boot Splash - Now easier on the eyes and displays the Eject message at the end of installation more clearly.

Tray Icons - better contrasting

Resource Usage - better contrasting

Updated Terminal theme - better contrasting

Help Manual - Contains a new section on the Lite Desktop Widget and other minor changes and updates to existing information.

Login is automatic, no credentials required. The image can be written to a 2gb or larger USB stick, or a writable DVD. Alternatively, you can use the dd command: sudo dd if=linux-lite-3.2-xxbit.iso of=/dev/sdx bs=4M where 'x' is the letter of your usb stick. In linux to find out the letter of your usb stick, open a terminal and type: df -h It is usually listed as 'media' or similar. Please see the built in Help Manual if you require a more detailed explanation of this procedure.

Hi Jerry: Thank you for clarifying one point I had forgotten. That you cannot upgrade from a Beta 3.2 to a Release 3.2. Because Linux Lite 3.0 was a fresh install I could not remember what we did back in 2.8. I had been using the Beta, but had planned to do a fresh install anyway. Nothing like a freshly installed OS. Thank you for all your, and contributors, hard work.

Hi Jerry: Thank you for clarifying one point I had forgotten. That you cannot upgrade from a Beta 3.2 to a Release 3.2. Because Linux Lite 3.0 was a fresh install I could not remember what we did back in 2.8. I had been using the Beta, but had planned to do a fresh install anyway. Nothing like a freshly installed OS. Thank you for all your, and contributors, hard work.